'Painting the North Coast' with oils

Through the end of February, The Upstairs Gallery in Arcata will feature work from Yuma Lynch in a show called "Painting The North Coast," with a reception tonight from 6 to 9 p.m.

"As residents of the North Coast, and more importantly this small earth, we sometimes take our surroundings for granted," Lynch wrote in an artist's statement.

"We forget that these rocks and forests and streams all have names and stories. Painting nature can remind us of how important, unique and beautiful the world really is!

"Sometimes, one sees a familiar place represented and is filled with excitement and fond memories. These seemingly simple connections shift plein-air painting from casual observation to a conscious process of artistic expression. With landscapes constantly changing, the simple act of planning and composing a painting is often quite challenging and the work is a balancing act, sometimes a difficult one," she said.

Lynch said that a close look at her paintings reveals that the finished works often include detritus from the local landscape: dust, sand, plant matter and, "unfortunately, even small insects -- they must be attracted to the oil."

"For more than 10 years, I have been working in oil on canvas, painting landscapes throughout California. While I often create narrative, portraiture and mixed-media paintings, landscape remains my primary artistic focus," she said. "For the last few years I have been getting to know the lively Humboldt County arts scene, while immersing myself in Arts Alive! showings.

"I am honored and humbled at the opportunity to share this work at the Upstairs Art Gallery, and would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has helped make this show possible," said Lynch.